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As part of Dorset Council’s county-wide SALIX-funded decarbonisation programme, Step Energy delivered major low-carbon energy upgrades at Purbeck Leisure Centre in Wareham.

The project forms part of Dorset Council’s wider £18m Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which has improved 260 sites across the county, cutting carbon emissions by more than 20% and delivering annual savings of around £1 million.

At Purbeck Leisure Centre, the focus was on reducing dependency on natural gas, lowering operational costs, and ensuring the facility is fit for the future — all while keeping the leisure centre fully open and operational throughout the works.

Step Energy Scope of Works

  • Low-Carbon Heating: Design, manufacture, and installation of four bespoke Air Source Heat Pumps (1 x 32kW and 3 x 55kW).
  • Pool Plant Upgrade: Reconfiguration and upgrade of the existing pool system, including new pumps, plate heat exchangers, and two high-efficiency water heaters.
  • Ventilation Systems: Upgrades to pool supply and extract ventilation systems for improved energy performance.
  • Building Management System: Installation of a new IQview8 BMS for advanced monitoring and control.
  • Phased Delivery: Works carefully scheduled to avoid disrupting leisure centre operations.
  • PV Integration: Energy savings enhanced through the existing 184kWp solar PV system, also installed by Step Energy.

Outcomes & Benefits

  • Energy Reduction: Annual consumption reduced by almost 74%, from 1,386,821 kWh to approx. 1,023,912 kWh.
  • Carbon Savings: Around 478 tonnes of CO₂ avoided each year, equivalent to planting 16,460 trees.
  • Financial Efficiency: Significant long-term reductions in energy costs, improving the facility’s financial sustainability.
  • Future-Proofing: Upgraded heating, ventilation, and controls systems aligned with Dorset Council’s Net Zero strategy.

Key Highlights

Operational leisure centre kept open throughout works

Bespoke ASHPs designed, manufactured, and installed in-house

SALIX-funded public sector decarbonisation scheme

Long-term partnership with Dorset Council

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